Bored of races on wheels? Cheering up for your teams does not fire up your adrenaline any more? Ever seen water catch fire? Fancied a leisurely boat cruise through the stretch of serene backwaters in Venice? How about a honeymoon stay in a boathouse with a private chef on-board?

In case you haven’t figured out yet, I am talking about the war in Waterworld – Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race 2022 in Kerala – the most fiercely fought race that transforms the tranquil lakefronts of Alleppy into a sea of humanity with an estimated 2,00,000 people watching it. 2nd Saturday of August has knocked at your desk calendar while the placid waters of Alleppey’s lakes are almost ready to catch fire. So if you are caught up with any of the above questions and confused about the place to pack for, just land up in Kerala and cruise to Alleppey.

About Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race

An ongoing practice session before Nehru Trophy Boat Race 2017

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Starting from July to September these snake boat races in Kerala, except Nehru Trophy, are held every year with the dates depending on the phase of the moon. These races, particularly the Aranmula Boat Race which takes place mid-way through the 10-day celebration of the Onam Festival are the highlight of the festivities. The Champakkulam Moolam is held in June/July, and the Payippad Jalotsavam is held in September. Kerala Tourism has a calendar of snake boat races each year to help you schedule your trip without reporting sick leaves at your office.

Date: March 27, 2022
Location: Punnamda Backwaters, Punnamda, Alappuzha

How To Reach:

    • Air: Nearest international airports are Thiruvananthapuram (150 km); Nedumbassery (85 km)
    • Rail: Alleppey (ALLP) Railway Station
    • Road: KSRTC runs regular Bus Service, Phone: 91-477-2252501
    • Public boat service (SWTD) enquiry: Phone: 91-477-2252510

Must Read: 20 Amazing Things To Do In Kerala For An Incredible Holiday


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Other Boat Races

Participants on their marks at Punnamada Lake.

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Apart from Nehru trophy, there are several other boat races around which include Payipad Boat Race, Alappuzha, Aranmula Vallamkali, Aranmula and Champakulam Boat Race. These races start from July and continue till August at various backwater lakes attracting lakhs of spectators including the tourists.

Must Read: 10 Most Offbeat Kerala Backwaters You Should Explore

Where To Stay?

Houseboat in a lagoon

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When was the last time an ad for a hotel or service translated into exactly what was promised? Well, try the houseboats at Alleppey during the gala sports event and you will not resent. Tall coconut trees and a large stretch of still water undisturbed by the mayhem of household chores of the villages on the way tell you why Alleppey is called the ‘Venice of the East’.

Other options include: Kayaloram Lake Resort, Prince Hotel and Coir Village Lake Resort.

Excursion To Backwaters

A couple on an excursion to the backwaters

Cruises are offered by various resorts in Alleppey. Choose from single bed, double bed, with electricity (i.e. with TV, lights, fan, AC), without electricity (with petromax lamp, and natural sea breeze), with and without terrace options. The boats take you along the narrow canals of the backwaters through the villages of a unique ecosystem. With no roads here, the only means of transport are the canals. Float along and gaze over paddy fields of succulent green, curvaceous rice barges and village life along the banks and watch the sun melt through chinese fishing nets installed on the boats.

Places To Visit: While the Snake Boat Race gives you an adrenaline rush, there are some soothing places to see in Alleppey – Vembanad Lake, Alleppey Beach, The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple.

Tickets: Buy online at Bookmyshow, or collect in person from any of the offices listed on the official website for the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race 2022 in Kerala.

Further Read: These 9 Breathtaking Places In Kerala Come Alive During Monsoons

So send your leave applications to your bosses and pack up. Plan your vacation in Kerala with Travel Triangle and witness the silence of the lakes being sliced by the slashing oars of the pacing boats moving like a snake through the channels.

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Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race

Who won Nehru Trophy Boat Race?

The team of captain Shri. James Kutty Jacob won the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race. The name of the boat was Payippadan Chundan that belonged to Pallathuruthy Boat Club, Alappuzha.

What are boat races called?

Boat race series is termed as ‘Regatta’. This term has Venetian-Italian origin and is referred to as ‘contest’.


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Category: Events And Festivals, India, Kerala

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